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HEAD-ON COLLISION OF SUVS KILLS BOTH DRIVERS AND INJURES TWO

By Jonathan Russell of Drake, Hileman & Davis, P.C. posted in Wrongful Death on Friday, August 16, 2013.

Accidents can happen for many reasons. When a driver is traveling late at night, for instance, they might be tired or fatigued. As a result, the driver may not be fully alert and have delayed reaction times. These factors could cause a driver to over correct, misjudge distance or even speed. This is not only dangers for the driver and their passengers but also hazardous or even fatal for other drivers and passengers on the road.

Take, for example, a recent crash. Pennsylvania authorities are investigating a recent head-on collision involving two SUVs. The accident happened shorty after midnight in Wetmore Township on Route 321. Preliminary reports indicate that one of the drivers crossed the centerline on the roadway, which resulted in the crash between the two vehicles.

When emergency crews arrived at the scene of the accident, the driver of one of the SUVs, a 19-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, a 35-year-old female, was transported to the hospital where she later died. That driver had two young passengers that also sustained serious injuries.

Initial reports did not make it clear which driver crossed the centerline, but the liable driver could be civilly liable for the death and injuries of those involved in the collision. Since both drivers are deceased, a wrongful death claim and a personal injury suit could be filed against the liable driver’s estate. This could result in compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, damages and pain and suffering.

Losing a loved one in a fatal accident or suffering injuries in a crash could be life altering. It might be a long and emotional process to get over the death of a friend or family member. Those injured might have to endure years of treatment and rehabilitations in order to fully recover from the incident. It is important that those affected by the accident understand their rights and options when it comes to receiving compensation.